Mother's Day Gift List

This joyful, little peanut made me a mom on Valentines Day! 

This is my FIRST Mother's Day! How exciting!!!! Here are a few things I have had my eye on or that I would enjoy for my very first day celebrating being a mom!

This bar necklace with Allison's name or birthday engraved on it would be sweet. My brother got me one for Christmas, but since I literally wear it everyday, it is beginning to tarnish.

I LOVE David Yurman and have had my eye on his bracelets for a long time. Mother's day is a great time to splurge right!?!? I love the pink accent in this bracelet to represent my sweet daughter. 

Tory Burch is my favorite shoe designer. I really love all of her shoes because they are so well made and comfortable. I am in love with this pink color! I have a pair of these flats in another color and I am obsessed. 

I am ALWAYS happy to receive my favorite flowers! Can you see a color trend here or is it just me??

Even if all I get on Mother's Day is time with my own mom, daughter, and husband I will be one grateful, happy mommy! After all, it's not about what gifts we receive, but the time we are given with those we love most. Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there. It is a thankless job full of so many joys!  

Allison's Newborn MUST HAVES!

I have only been a parent for seven weeks so by NO means do I have anything figured out. These are just a few items that Allison really loves at this point in her life. I am sure as soon as I write this she will change her mind and throw us all for a loop. That is what makes life so great right!?!?

Allison's Favorite Items

1 || Rock-n-play: Allison slept in this swaddled for the first six weeks of her life all day, everyday. Now she only sleeps in it at night. During the day she either naps in her crib or in her carrier while we are on the go. 

2 || Shusher: This is a miracle!!!!!! JEFFREY AND I LOVE THIS LITTLE THING. We take it everywhere with us. If we are out and want Allison to nap we put this little guy next to her and it shushes her right to sleep. What I love most about it, is that it's portable and stops after a few minutes. 

3 || Bouncer: Allison loves sitting in her bouncer. she likes the vibrations and toys. She will sit in it and crack herself up, it is the cutest! I swear she has the best little smile. 

4 || Wubbnub: This is her MOST favorite item. She cannot go anywhere without it. She loves holding the neck with her tiny hand. She will also rub the hooves with her finger while she sleeps. It is so sweet. She cannot sleep without her little buddy Gerald Giraffe. 

5 || Dr. Browns bottles: I was so nervous about going from nursing to bottles when I went back to work, but these bottles made it so easy. Allison loves her bottle and will still nurse from me when I come home. She is such a great eater and is not picky which is wonderful. I truly pray she stay this way. 

Newest Nelson

We have a new Nelson in town, a very tiny Nelson that is by far the cutest Nelson! She is the sweetest 7 week old baby and brings so much joy to all she meets. A few days after Allison came home form the hospital, Caroline Graham Photography was avaliable for a sweet photo shoot. Here is a little sneak peak at the newest Nelson's newborn shoot!

Allison Montgomery Elizabeth Nelson

Thank you Caroline Graham Photography for these incredible images. Caroline is amazing at capturing precious, candid memories that will last a lifetime. You can check out more of her work here.

Allison's Birth Story: Part Two!

... They carried me to the bed and announced I was 6cm dilated and 100% effaced. We were having this baby!

After the epidural... we are much happier!

My mind joined my body and went into shock. I am having a baby! I was filled with 10,000 emotions and thoughts. AHHHH, I AM HAVING A BABY!?!?!!! I went inside myself and just prayed. I remember closing my eyes and talking to God while my body shook uncontrollably and I felt like I was sitting next to HIM and God had his hand on me giving me strength and reassurance. It was incredible. At this point, my contractions were pretty intense and I was ready for relief. They gave me an IV of fluids while we waited for the epidural. 

The anesthesiologist who gave me my epidural was amazing, not just because he took the pain away, but because he was personable. His kids both went to PCA where I work, so I felt like God put him in my path for a reason. 

Getting the epidural was painful, but I closed my eyes and prayed through it. It was the strangest feeling. After about 10-15 minutes my shaking stopped and I could talk again. It was a sigh of relief my body needed. I was able to relax a little. Although I had the epidural, I could still feel the pressure from my contractions and I even had some feeling in my legs. I could move my left leg which I thought was strange, but I wasn't complaining because I was numb where I needed to be!

Moments after meeting our daughter. 

The doctor came in and checked me, in less then 2 hours I was 10cm dilated and 100% effaced. The doctor told me that I progressed VERY fast for someone having their first baby. She told me that with baby #2 we needed to come to the hospital ASAP because I have fast labors (who knew!?!?). 

Although I was 10cm and ready, my water still had not broken. Since my body had done everything so naturally, my doctor wanted my body to break its own water or we would deliver Allison in her sack. Since I was comfortable, she let me sit for another hour or two to see if my water would break. I felt like I laid there FOREVER. My nurse even felt bad for me because she said if my water would break we would have her quickly. After about an hour, my nurse tried to help me break my water. Allison's head was so low, all of the fluid was behind her so it was trapped and would not break. After a few attempts, my water finally broke! It was game time. 

At this point it was like a whirlwind. My mom ran over and kissed me and left, nurses ran in with all sorts of gadgets, my legs were lifted and I began feeling a TON of pressure. The nurse backed my epidural off so I was able to feel the contractions more. This was great because pushing felt amazing. I wanted to push through the contractions. It felt like a really hard, intense workout. I was pushing 3-4 times and was determined. I was so focused. It was a surreal moment. I knew I wanted to meet her and I was doing everything I could to get her in my arms. I pushed for 20 minutes. Then... then, the funniest thing happened. Remember how my water wouldn't break because all of the fluid was behind her? Well, when she came out all of the fluid behind her came out too and showered Jeffrey and I. It was um... interesting! We looked at one another while nurses wiped us off and we began crying together as we looked at our precious blessing. 

Waiting to move into our postpartum room.

At this moment my entire body filled with joy, love, and instant relief. I loved this little person SO much. I looked at Jeffrey and we all had a moment of pure bliss. I have never loved my husband more. I will NEVER forget this moment in my life. This moment between our new family of three is priceless and precious to me. 

Now, 3 weeks later, I have never been so tired, confused, or in love as I am now. The 9 months of pregnancy and hours of labor were 100% worth it. Allison Montgomery Elizabeth Nelson is our little AMEN. She is constantly teaching us how to trust in God and how to love. We are so blessed to be her parents and live life through her eyes. 

Allison's Birth Story

A lot of people have been asking about my labor and delivery story so I thought, why not? So, if you don't want to read a Blog about labor, delivery, and babies then this post is NOT for you! Hey, at least I warned you.

Labor was NOTHING like I thought it would be. It was harder and easier in many ways then I imagined. I had an image of all of my bones breaking at one time and terrible, agonizing pain; for me it was no where near any of those things thankfully. However, labor was one of the hardest and most amazing things I have EVER done in my life. Having a baby is the closest to God I have ever been. It is incredible and no words can really describe the feelings and emotions I felt during labor and delivery. Here is my story of how little Allison made her appearance into the world. Enjoy!

The last picture of myself pregnant 

On Monday, February 13 I started feeling weak, like I had run a marathon. My legs were really sore and heavy. Since I cannot sit still, I decided to go to work and fight through my new "flu-like" feeling. I had a doctors appointment scheduled for Wednesday, but I knew I needed to see her sooner because I just didn't feel "right". Meanwhile, my mom was in route to Charleston because she was going to come help me in my classroom for the rest of the week since I felt so gross. Thank the LORD for mom's and their love and support!

After work, I called my doctor and she told me to come in. I was 4 cm. dilated and 95% effaced. I still have no idea what that means exactly, but I was beginning to have contractions so I knew I would meet little Allison soon. We scheduled an induction date for Wednesday, but all of the nurses laughed and said we wouldn't make it until that date. Well, they were correct.

At 3:00 AM on Tuesday, February 14, Valentines Day, I woke up with cramps. It wasn't painful or unbearable, just uncomfortable. I got up and went to the bathroom and began walking around because sitting or laying down was NOT comfortable. Jeffrey woke up and began timing my contractions with my mom by my side. They were six and eight minutes apart and I was still able to move and talk. I was stubborn and remembered they had to be five minutes apart so I insisted I was not going anywhere. I ate some crackers and continued walking around with my intense cramps. TMI, but I kept going to the bathroom (number 2). I went five or six times from 3:00AM-4:00AM. Little did I know but it was my body cleansing itself to prepare for birth. The last time I went, I collapsed and began shaking. I slowly picked myself up and came out and told Jeffrey and my mom we needed to go to the hospital.

I have never in my life shaken so much. My body was going into shock. Jeffrey grabbed a few things and we headed for our already hospital ready car. This seems like something from a movie because Jeffrey was running every red light and was racing as fast as he could. Meanwhile, I was shaking so horribly I couldn't even get my seat belt on. Jeffrey swung into the emergency lane at the emergency room and I could hardly walk at this point. Here I am, hair a total mess, makeup down my face, glasses, and wearing Jeffrey's PJ pants and beer shirt. Classic! They sat me in a wheel chair instantly and admitted me around 4:30AM. I was in full force labor. The nurses helped me change into the hospital gown as I was shaking uncontrollably. I felt like I had sea legs or had forgotten how to walk. They carried me to the bed and announced I was 6cm dilated and 100% effaced. We were having this baby!

TO BE CONTINUED...

10 days to go!!!!!!!!!

How far along?: Almost 39 weeks!

Total weight gain: 18 pounds

Maternity clothes?: I hate them SO much and I am ready to wear my clothes again! 

Stretch marks?: I am SO very blessed. I do not have any at all. I am putting globs and globs of coconut oil and coconut butter on my stomach every day, twice a day. 

Sleep: Can’t get enough of it.                                                                                 

Labor Preparation?: Allison's room is all ready, her linens and clothes are washed, her car seat is installed and we have our hospital bags packed. We have a few minor things to do but we are READY to meet our little girl. 

Best moment this week:Finding out that we have an induction date set for February 16 if our princess doesn't come before that date. 

Movement: Allison is very strong and loves to kick mommy in her right rib. She also LOVES music. Anytime there is music playing she loves moving. 

Food cravings: Peanut butter!!! I cannot get enough. 

Leakage: nope.

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks  and light contractions but nothing other than that. I have been walking, trying to eat spicy foods, and do as many squats as possible. 

Belly Button in or out?: In and out. ha ha

Wedding rings on or off?: ON. I have been Oh So blessed. I have had zero swelling, praise the Lord! 

Symptoms: I caught a BAD stomach bug or something... After running to the bathroom 8 times, a 2 hour nap, and a gallon of water later I am feeling a little better but I am still really weak and tired. 

Doctor's appointment and update: The doctor says everyone looks really healthy and that I am progressing nicely. Baby girls heartbeat is around 135-145! I am 3cm dilated and 75% effaced. I am praying that my body will go into labor naturally, but if it doesn't, we have an induction date set for the morning of February 16. We are 10 days away!!!!!!!!! 

38 Weeks! Let the count down begin!

38 weeks

How far along? 38 WEEKS!

Total weight gain/loss: 16 pounds total

Emotions:  READY! I am so blessed, this pregnancy has been healthy and wonderful; however, I am ready to meet my sweet gift baby girl! I am uncomfortable and ready. Patience has never been my strong suit. I am getting nervous too. I am nervous about labor and delivery, I am nervous about being a "good" mom, and I am nervous about being nervous. 

What are we most excited about next: kissing my baby girls little cheeks and sharing her cute little face.

What are we least excited about: WAITING!

What I miss: Being normal! I am SO ready to be able to lay on my stomach, bend over, and walk without waddling.  

Movement: She is very strong. Her movements have become slow, but man are they powerful. 

Belly button: I think I may have "innie" my entire pregnancy!!! I have been so blessed, I am sleeping well so far, no swelling at all, and 0 stretch-marks... I am literally knocking on all of the wood right now praying none of this changes in the next two weeks! 

Size: Baby girl is the size of a water melon. She weights around 6.5 pounds! 

How I’m feeling: Did I mention I was READY????!!!!

Sickness: none!

Cravings:

• Peanut butter
• Gummies
•  Apples

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods 

Workout: I am on mission walk/squat/lunge this baby out. I walked, went to barre class, and pilates this week. I may be uncomfortable, but I'm trying to stay as active as I can. 

Nursery: We are ready and waiting for our little peanut's arrival. I think her room is my favorite room in our condo. 

Update: Our baby girl has her carseat installed, all of her clothes and blankets have been washed, our bags are packed, and we have organized and cleaned our condo about 1,000 times. We are ready to meet this precious gift from God. 

30 before 30!

I am SOOOOO impressed with myself and the progress I have made on my 30 before 30 list. I may not have accomplished all of my 30 "to do's", but I came really close so I am very proud of myself! 

1. Travel to Ireland- DONE!

2. Sell our house in SC and FL- DONE!

3. Do something spontaneous and on a whim!- DONE! 

4. Pay off all student loans- DONE! HOLY COW, WE ARE DEBT FREE!

5. Perform in a local theater- (Since I got pregnant, this became a LOT harder). I did however perform in my car and classroom-- that counts right?!?!- KINDA DONE!

6. Save a great amount of money for emergencies- there is ALWAYS room to save more, but I am pleased with what Jeffrey and I were able to save! We reached our goal so I am calling this DONE!

7. Travel to the West Coast- San Francisco- DONE!

8. Become a mom- I am due 2/2017!- DONE!

9. Run a 10K- DONE!

10. Dance in the kitchen often –We have been killing it!- DONE!

11. Laugh every day and find joy in everything and everyone I meet (Teaching first grade really helps with this one)- DONE!

12. Sing! Sing as though no one hears or cares... I already do this, but I could do it more!- DONE!

13. Have a candle-lit dinner on the beach-

14. Go sailing – 2/2015- DONE!

15. Eat something new- DONE!

16. Take dance lessons with Jeffrey-

17. Grow my relationship with God- Jesus Calling is a great daily devotional as well as The Best Yes- DONE!

18. Go on a Mission Trip- DONE!

19. Pay for someone's dinner to pay it forward- DONE!

20. Visit a new state- DONE!

21. Workout more- I have been taking pilates classes for a year and 6 months now!- DONE!

22. Find a hobby that makes me happy and do it more!- I have really enjoyed running and pilates- DONE!

23. Kiss in the rain (again)- DONE!

24. Get a tattoo! 2 arrows on my ribs on 5/2015- DONE!

25. Give up eating out and shopping for 30-days- DONE!

26. See Georgia Tech play at a new stadium- DONE!

27. Take photography classes -Took classes 6/2015- DONE!

28. Visit the Biltmore at Christmas

29. See a Musical on Broadway with Jeffrey (our trip was scheduled for January, but since baby is due, we are going to NYC July, 2017)- DONE (since the trip is booked)

30. Write a children’s book

Birthday Freebies

Since my BIG 3-0 is next week.. *insert overwhelmed, excited, crazy face here*... I have been looking to see what deals and sales I can get. Every year, I always use my birthday as an excuse to get myself a new dress or outfit that I can wear out to dinner. I deserve it right?!? Well, lets pretend I do. This year looks VERY different then any other birthday. No its not because I am literally entering a new decade of life and have stress wrinkles, it is because I am HUGE. I am 37 weeks pregnant and HUGE. okay, okay... I am really not HUGE, but I feel so ugly and disgusting. Nothing looks feels attractive on even the smallest 37 week pregnant woman. I also refuse to by myself anything new because I will not need it in three weeks or less. So, my point is... I want free stuff to make my HUGE feeling, pregnant, 30 year old self feel more like "me" and beautiful. I mean who doesn't want to feel beautiful on their 30th birthday?!? So my lovely readers, I give you...

FREE STUFF OR PROMOS YOU GET ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

• Starbucks: You get a free coffee-- any size, any type-- on your birthday. This will be the first stop I make Tuesday morning and yes, it will be a Venti and yes, it will be a latte with extra foam! Take that twenties. 

• Kendra Scott- For your birthday, Kendra Scott gives you 50% off any item of your choosing. The catch, you have to come into the store. I now love this designer even more because my poor pregnant self called and mentioned we didn't have a store nearby and I couldn't travel. They not only honored the 50% off discount, but they also shipped my item free and wrote me the sweetest birthday note which congratulated me on Ally's pending arrival. Now that is customer service. I snagged this beauty with my discount. 

• Tory Burch- When you sign up for emails with Tory, they send you $50.00 off any full priced item. It does exclude the minnie and miller shoes, but it totally includes sale items! I am still debating on whether or not I want to use it, but it is an awesome deal. I am looking at these fun sunnies. 

• Sephora- Sephora will send you a cute little makeup package on your birthday when you sign up for their rewards program. I got a Tarte blush and lip gloss totally free from Sephora and I have been using them both ever since! 

• LOFT- Since I am a card member, LOFT sent me a free $15.00 for my birthday. I went during their 50% off sale last week and got the cutest blouse to wear after baby and I only paid $2.00!!!! 

Here is another great Blog with TONS of birthday offers. 

35 Weeks

35 weeks

How far along? 35 weeks! 5 weeks or LESS until we meet our princess. 

Total weight gain/loss: 13 pounds 

Emotions:  ALL OVER THE PLACE. Lets just leave it at that. I am feeling all the feels and feeling all the crazy hormones. Add in the crazy dreams and fears I have... well, we wont talk about it! 

What are we most excited about next: Holding my baby girl, kissing her sweet cheeks, and seeing the love of my life hold her. Cue the tears!

What are we least excited about: WAITING!

What I miss: Being able to tie my own shoes and bending over without wanting to die. I miss doing normal, everyday tasks without running out of breath. 

Movement: She is very active. My students say she is working out so she will have muscles when she is born.  

Belly button: Somehow my bellybutton is still an "innie". 

Size: Baby Nelly is the size of a pineapple. She weights a little over 4-5 pounds! 

How I’m feeling: I really cannot complain at all. I feel great for being 9 months pregnant; however, I am 9 months pregnant so I am tired, emotional, tired, sore, tired, feeling huge, tired, and have I mentioned tired?  

Sickness: I am having terrible back pain. I cannot stand very long or I get bad pains up and across my lower back. My legs have also started going numb after a while which is pretty uncomfortable. 

Cravings:

• Peanut butter
• Sour candy 

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods 

Workout: I am still staying as active as I can. My fitbit says I am doing about 7,000 steps a day plus I am walking when I can, lifting weights, and doing pilates. I am hoping to go back to barre class next week. 

I mean look at those sweet, chubby cheeks! 

34 weeks

How far along? 34 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss: 13 pounds -- from the scale at the doctors office

Emotions: We have had an amazing break this past week. We went to Georgia for a few days and celebrated Christmas and our new baby with family and friends. We had two Christmases and two baby showers. Needless to say, we were spoiled. It was SO nice to travel home and spend time with our loved ones. I have also enjoyed Jeffrey being home SO much! I do not want him to go back to Kansas. 

What are we most excited about next: Our little girls room is coming along nicely. We ordered our crib and have washed all of her sheets and clothes. I am excited to see everything in her room come together. 

What are we least excited about: January... can we just skip those long 31 days? 

What I miss: Being able to tie my own shoes and bending over without wanting to die. I miss doing normal, everyday tasks without running out of breath. 

Movement: She is my little dancer. Every time music comes on or I sing (which is always) baby girl gets really active. Maybe she will be in musicals like her mommy! I would love to perform in a few shows with my daughter! 

Belly button: still an innie, but we are close to being flat. 

Size: Baby Nelly is the size of a pineapple. She weights a little over 4-5 pounds! 

How I’m feeling: I am feeling all the emotions. I am excited to meet our sweet baby girl, scared for the upcoming labor and delivery, nervous about being a mom, and overwhelmed with everything we still need to get prepared. All and all, I cannot wait to do what God intended me to do and give our family the gift of a new life. 

Sickness: I am having terrible back pain. I cannot stand very long or I get bad pains up and across my lower back. My legs have also started going numb after a while which is pretty uncomfortable. 

Cravings:

• Peanut butter
• Sour candy or jelly beans 

Aversions: 

• Dairy

• Spicy foods 

Physical changes: 

• My bump is getting bigger and is VERY noticeable. I love all her shifts and movements which can be seen through my clothes now.  

Workout: We walked the beach and stores a few times... does that count? 

We have baby girls heart and kidney check up on December 29! I pray everything looks healthy and strong. I also hope we can get some good pictures of her. After the 29th of December, I will begin going to see my doctor every other week. Let the count down begin!!!